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DC Council Approves Extension of Lottery Contract

COVINA, CA - MARCH 30: A sign displays of the $640 Mega Millions jackpot at Liquorland on March 30, 2012 in Covina, California The Mega Millions jackpot has reached a high of $640 million before the drawing tonight. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

WASHINGTON — The D.C. Council has approved a 5-year, $38 million contract extension for the partnership that runs the District of Columbia lottery.

The partnership between Greek gaming giant Intralot and local businessman Emmanuel Bailey won the contract in 2009 after a long and contentious process that led to a federal grand jury investigation. No charges have been filed, and District officials haven’t reported any problems with Intralot’s performance.

Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey DeWitt had considered combining the city’s numbers-game and instant-ticket contracts, a possibility that angered Intralot, which doesn’t print instant tickets. But DeWitt backed away from that proposal, and the District still lacks a permanent instant-ticket vendor.

The council approved the contract extension Monday by a 12-0 vote, with one abstention, after minimal debate. It runs through 2019.